About Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort holds the pride of place in Jodhpur because of its splendid architecture and the diverse history associated with it. Considered as one of the most formidable and magnificent forts of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh fort was built by Rao Jodha in the year 1459. The fort is spread over an area of 5 km and is built on 125 m high hill in the outskirts of Jodhpur city.

There are seven gates, which can be used to enter the Mehrangarh fort. These 7 gates are made by different rulers, and are built in honour of victory over Bikaner and Jaipur armies.

One can see the panoramic view of the Jodhpur city from this fort, which seems like a blue carpet laid at the foot of a hill. Every ruler of Jodhpur has contributed in the making of this fort. Within the fort one can see the magnificent palaces. The main palaces located in the Mehrangarh Fort are Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Zenana Dude, Takht Vilas and Jhanki Mahal. There are also two temples located inside the fort – Chamundi Devi Mandir and Nagnechiaji Mandir, dedicated to Goddess Durga and the Kuldevi respectively.

There is also a museum within the Mehrangarh fort, which exhibits a rich collection of palanquins, musical instruments, royal cradles, costumes, arms, furniture and paintings.

History

The history of Mehrangarh Fort is related to Rao Jodha of the Rathore Clan. He ascended as the fifteenth Rathore ruler in 1458. One year after his crowning, the Maharaja was advised to move his capital to a safer place. The 1000-year Mandore fort, the then capital was slowly and gradually deteriorating therefore needed to be abandoned. The search of a new location brought to the isolated hill looming over Jodhpur.

According to legends, the hill on which the mighty fort stands was the home of an ascetic, known as Cheeria Nathji, the lord of birds. The hermit was the sole inhabitant of the hills. On losing his home, he cursed the land. To appease the jinx, a selfless person had to sacrifice his life. This noble act was performed by Raja Ram Meghwal, who finds mention in tales and on stone carving in the fort.

The mighty fort of Mehrangarh fort in Rajasthan, since its erection has never been under seizure. The invincible fortifications still bear cannon marks they had once withstood. Today, this magnificent edifice of Jodhpur is a living testimony that recounts the rich past.

Interesting Facts

Mehrangarh Fort was built in 1438 by Rao Jodha, after whom the city of Jodhpur is named.

The walls of the fort have a height of 118 feet and a width of 69 feet that protect the massive area of it.

There are various palaces located inside the walls of the fortress, which have their separate, distinct identities with intricate Rajasthani carvings and design.

Two ancient temples are also situated in the fort, which, along with the rest of the building, bear the work of over 500 centuries of different artists.

The museum inside the fort contains relics and ancient artefacts that come from not only the royal families of Rajasthan, but also of the Mughal dynasty culture.

Musicians play traditional folk songs at the entrance of the fort, giving it a charming allure for tourists.

The name Mehrangarh is derived from a combination of two Sanskrit words: ‘Mihir’ meaning the Sun god, and ‘Garh’ meaning fort.

The families that lived in Mehrangarh fort were believed to have their origins in the Sun God from Hindu mythology.

Legend has it that a hermit called Cheeria Nathji used to reside on the hill when Rao Jodha had the hermit move so the fort could be built. Angered by having his home taken away, Cheeria Nathji cursed Rao’s family saying that his fort would always suffer from scarcity of water. Rao Jodha then had a separate home built for the hermit in the fort premises, but until today the area faces draught every 3 to 4 years.

The construction of the fort was started by Rao Jodha in 1438, but most of the other developments within the grounds of the fort were done during the time of Jaswant Singh in 1638 to 1678.

The popular 2012 film from the Batman series ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ had a significant scene shot at Mehrangarh Fort.

The Mehrangarh Fort Museum has a vast collection of paintings, costumes, arms, and carved rooms from the time when the royal family lived there.

Timings

9.00 AM to 5.00 PM

Note:The ticket sales close at 17:00 hrs. On account of Jodhpur Foundation Day on 12th May entry for all guests is free, only elevator charges, audio guide and manual charges applicable.

Ticket and Other Charges(effect from: 01.10.2017)

Ticket

Amount (Rs.)

International Guests (includes the audio)

₹ 600

International Guests (Students)

₹ 400*

Domestic Guests

₹ 100

Domestic Guests (Sr. citizen, Student, Para Military personnel)

₹ 50

Photography Permit : Still

₹ 100

Photography Permit : Video

₹ 200

Elevator (one-way)

₹ 50

Tour Escort Fee

₹ 120

Audio Guide

₹ 180

Audio Guide (Concession)

₹ 120

Guide Fee : Pax

01 to 04 Pax

₹ 300

05 to 15 Pax

₹ 400

16 to 30 Pax

₹ 500

31 to 50 Pax

₹ 600

Parking Charges

Two Wheeler

₹ 10

Auto

₹ 10

Car / Jeep

₹ 50

Mini Bus

₹ 80

Bus

₹ 100

Note: The ticket sales close at 17:00 hrs. On account of Jodhpur Foundation Day on 12th May entry for all guests is free, only elevator charges, audio guide and manual charges applicable.

Charges for Jaswant Thada

Admission and other rates with effect from 01.10.2017

Ticket

Amount (Rs.)

International

₹ 50

Domestic

₹ 30

Guide Fee : Pax

1 to 4 Pax

₹ 100

5 to 15 Pax

₹ 135

16 to 30 Pax

₹ 170

31 to 50 Pax

₹ 225

Parking Charges

Car / Jeep

₹ 30

Mini Bus

₹ 40

Bus

₹ 50

Note: The photography charges (Video and Still) are discontinued from 01.10.2017

Things to Watch

The temples located inside the premises of the fort are known as the Chamunda Mataji temple and Nagnechiji temple, which have fascinating tales behind their idols.

The ziplining activity known as Flying Fox is quite an enjoyable experience at Mehrangarh Fort, and many tourists make it a point to indulge in it while at the location.

The palaces at Mehrangarh Fort are called Sheesh Mahal (the mirror hall), Moti Mahal (glass-painted windows of pearl colours where the Maharajas held their courtroom), Phool Mahal (the extravagant hall of leisure activities of the royal family), and Zenana Deodi (women’s quarters made of sandstone).

Performances of people wearing traditional Rajasthani costumes are usually on going at Mehrangarh Fort, who represent authentic culture of Rajasthan through playing instruments and singing folk songs.

The atmosphere of the fort is relaxing if you were to explore all the nooks and crannies. That way you can also see the Chokelao Gardens, situated in the fort premises.

More than 200 eagles gather every day from 3.30pm to 4pm, when a young boy employed by the fort management feeds the eagles from on top of the tower across from the Chokelao Gardens, which is quite the interesting sight to see.

Mehrangarh Fort Museum

Jodhpur Mehrangarh Fort Museum is one of the finest museums in Rajasthan. It is beautifully laid out. It has a palanquin section where you can see a wide collection of old royal palanquins. The palanquin section of the museum of Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan, India also includes the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin, won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The heritage of the Rathores, including arms, costumes, paintings, decorated period rooms, etc, is exhibited in the museum. The museum gives us an idea of the grandeur of the royal families of the past.

How to Reach Mehrangarh Fort

The city of Jodhpur has well established rail, road and air network connections with all the major cities in India. Railways: Jodhpur railway station is well connected to major Indian cities and there are trains available on a daily basis. The nearest railway station is the Rai ka Bagh railway station. Airways: One of the prominent airports in Rajasthan, Jodhpur is now being transformed into an international one. There are daily flights from various parts of the country. Roadways: The city of Jodhpur is connected by road to all the important cities of Rajasthan, as well as those of the neighbouring states. There are deluxe and express bus services to the city. In the city one can travel by auto rickshaws, buses, cycle rickshaws or cabs.

Best Time to Visit

When you are on a trip and you have already dreamt of witnessing the richness of the fort and its minutely made architecture, then it is advisable for you to plan it in any month between September and March. The reason is simple; you will not have to encounter the scorching heat, which shoots up to 45 degrees during the summers.

In fact, when you visit the fort and even the city during the winters, you will not only end up falling in love with the beauty of the city, but the weather as well.